Are you thinking about getting married? If you have marriage on your mind, you’ve probably imagined a destination wedding.

Getting married away from home continues to be a rising trend, with 25% of nuptials now taking place out of town. Among couples who have been married before, destination weddings are even more common.

If you're considering a destination wedding, you might be surprised to know that most of them - about 7 out of every 10 – happen in the continental United States rather than in Hawaii or outside the country. And did you know that many destination weddings are held in Michigan on Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island has been named the No. 1 Best Island in the Continental U.S. and is a popular setting for destination weddings. Here are just a few reasons why Mackinac Island is an extraordinary place to get married:

A bride and groom wave to onlookers while enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride on Mackinac Island

The 'Just Married' Carriage Ride on Mackinac Island

There are few things more romantic than a Mackinac Island carriage ride on your wedding day. Mackinac Island is car free, so it truly feels like you’re living in a fairy tale – especially when a horse-drawn carriage whisks you away after your ceremony, taking you on a leisurely tour of the island full of stunning Great Lakes vistas. Bride 'felt like royalty' on carriage ride down Mackinac Island's Main Street A bride and groom kiss in the middle of Mackinac Island's Main Street as their horse-drawn carriage driver waits nearby

The Iconic Mackinac Island Kiss

During your horse-drawn carriage ride, you can stop on Main Street and re-enact the iconic Mackinac Island kiss as everybody makes way for the bride and groom! Mackinac Island for couples: 11 super cute photos you can recreate A bride and groom hold hands during their Mackinac Island wedding ceremony overlooking the water and the Mackinac Bridge

Scenic Mackinac Island Wedding Venues

There are so many incredible places for your ceremony: Churches of Mackinac Island: 350 years of historic beauty Gorgeous lilacs bloom on Mackinac Island with historic Ste. Anne's Church in the background

Mackinac Island Lilacs

Of course, flowers are a big part of every wedding. It just so happens that Mackinac Island is home to some of the oldest and largest lilac stems in the world. There’s even a festival each June to celebrate the flowers that flourish all over Mackinac Island and fill the air with their pleasing fragrance. Why there are so many beautiful lilacs on Mackinac Island A young man and woman react to the taste of world-famous Mackinac Island fudge while sampling flavors inside a shop

World-Famous Mackinac Island Fudge Wedding Favors

World-famous Mackinac Island Fudge is among the reasons a little island in northern Michigan has become the USA's Best Summer Travel Destination, and it’s partly why Expedia named Mackinac Island one of the Most Tourist-Friendly Cities in the U.S. When it comes to wedding favors for your guests, what could be better than authentic Mackinac Island Fudge? How Mackinac Island became fudge capital of the world Three wedding groomsmen leap off the ground outside the Inn at Stonecliffe on Michigan's Mackinac Island

Fun Things To Do For Wedding Guests on Mackinac Island

Guests will appreciate the wide variety of things to do on Mackinac Island while attending a destination wedding. In addition to cute shops, vibrant nightlife, and historic places to stay, Mackinac Island encompasses a state park that once was the country’s second national park. More than 80% of Mackinac Island is public land with opportunities to explore by hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding and so much more. Staying on Mackinac Island is truly a special experience, and one that will make many memorable moments for you and your guests.

Check out the Mackinac Island Wedding Guide to see more of what makes Mackinac Island the perfect place for your destination wedding. And relax knowing that local Mackinac Island wedding consultants are available to handle all the details so that you and your guests can enjoy the wedding of your dreams with minimal stress.

Infographic showing wedding resources and services available on Mackinac Island RELATED MACKINAC ISLAND BLOGS: